I tell you the simple truth.

I am Steven Knox, an officer in the army.

It chanced I was a passenger on the boat when Judge Beaucaire lost his life.

I witnessed the game of cards this man won, and afterwards, when I protested, was attacked, and flung overboard into the river by Kirby here, and that fellow who is outside guarding the door.

They believe me to be dead; but I managed to reach shore, and was taken care of by a negro--'Free Pete' he calls himself; do you know him ?" "Yes--oh, yes; he was one of the Carlton slaves." Her face brightened slightly in its bewilderment.
"Well, I knew enough of what was bound to occur to feel an interest, and tonight he brought me here for the purpose of warning you--you, your mother, and Eloise Beaucaire.